script format of a Play

Script Format

A good script builds suspense leading towards (or ending with) a resolution. A script has a special format. It includes telling the actors what to say, but also what to do. Actions are always placed within parenthesis!

CHARACTER PAGE

• At the top of the page: Cast of Characters is centered and underlined.
• Double-spaced under the Cast of Characters and at the left margin is a list of character names. Underline the character name and add a colon.
• After each character name, use one or two tabs (depending on the longest character name) and add a short description of the character.

Script Format

ACT 1, SCENE 1 PAGE

• Scene is centered on the page and underlined.
• Single-spaced below Scene, there is SETTING. It is added in all caps double-spaced, it is followed by a colon.
• The SETTING description describes how the stage is set at the beginning of the play (place and time). If a SETTING changes during the play, it must be noted in the appropriate location.
• AT RISE is double-spaced under the last SETTING description line. It is followed by a colon.
• The AT RISE describes what is happening just prior to the first line.

Script Format

characters' dialogues and actions

• Character names are in all caps, including in stage directions and are written on the left side
• Character names spoken in dialogue are written normally.
• Dialogue is set a single space after the character's name.

• Stage directions show both action and thoughts/feelings and are always in italics and in parentheses
• describing stage action (Enter/ exit a character...) are in italics (except for the name of the characters), are given their own line, and are single-spaced above and below the text.